This report estimates the total recreational catch of southern bluefin tuna in New Zealand for the 2022–23 fishing year.
Tuna numbers and weights are collected using a monthly telephone survey of South Island fishers and a boat ramp survey at Waihau Bay in the eastern Bay of Plenty where most of these fish are landed.
Catch records from fishing clubs, online reporting, and recreational charter boats are also used.
In 2022–23, the Total Allowable Catch of New Zealand southern blue tuna was 1102 tonnes. The Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna requires member countries to report their total catch.
Overall the number of southern bluefin tuna caught in the rereational fishery was about 1500, which is more than in previous years, but the average weight was lower.
The total landed weight for the recreational fishery was estimated to be between 65 and 73 tonnes with a mid-point of 69.3 tonnes.
The global population of southern bluefin tuna is increasing under the current management system and catch rates in the New Zealand commercial and recreational fishery are also likely to increase in future.
FAR 2024/21 Recreational harvest of southern bluefin tuna in New Zealand, 2022-2023
Type
Report - Fisheries Assessment Report (FAR)
Published
Last updated
ISBN Online
978-1-991285-39-3
ISSN Online
1179-5352